Quantum Simulation of Optical Conductivity

In this project, we investigated fundamental properties of quantum degenerate fermions. Competed work includes the first observation of unitary p-wave interactions, and the benchmarking of theoretical models relevant to strong orbital interactions. Technical development of an optical lattice quantum simulator resulted in colder atoms, higher fidelity in-situ imaging, and more robust operation. Theoretical development included a non-perturbative treatment of strong scattering in a lattice. The impact of the project is an expansion of models accessible to quantum simulation by neutral atoms.